Clarksville, Tennessee, October 27, 2025
News Summary
A generous donation has led to the establishment of the Richard E. and Bristol S. Gannaway Memorial Endowment at Austin Peay State University, honoring the legacy of two dedicated educators. The scholarship aims to support students from Montgomery County pursuing their education while fostering a commitment to community service. Eligible recipients must meet specific criteria, including credit hours and GPA requirements. The fund’s management falls under the APSU Foundation, reflecting the lasting impact of the Gannaways on education and local students.
Clarksville, Tennessee – A significant donation from Bristol S. Gannaway has established the Richard E. and Bristol S. Gannaway Memorial Endowment at Austin Peay State University (APSU). This endowment serves to honor the memory of Richard E. Gannaway, a former professor of industrial technology at APSU, and Bristol S. Gannaway, an esteemed cosmetology instructor at Clarksville High School.
The scholarship aims to commemorate the couple’s lifelong commitment to education and community service. Phil Gannaway, their son, emphasized pride in the legacy created by his parents, noting their profound impact on numerous former students.
Eligible students for the scholarship must satisfy several criteria, including:
- Completion of a minimum of 24 credit hours.
- Enrollment as a full-time student with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
- Residence in Montgomery County, Tennessee.
- Participation in extracurricular activities at school and in the community.
The scholarship is renewable for recipients who continue to meet the specified criteria each year.
Richard Gannaway served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was a staunch advocate for trade programs in public education. He held a position on the Montgomery County School Board for eight years, influencing educational policies in the area. Bristol Gannaway was instrumental in designing and teaching the cosmetology program at Clarksville High School for two decades, effectively preparing her students for the Tennessee State Board of Cosmetology exams.
Upon their retirement, Richard and Bristol embarked on a project that involved gathering, indexing, and archiving obituaries from the Clarksville area, a task that spanned 15 years and culminated in a comprehensive 13-volume historical record. This valuable collection was donated to the Montgomery County Public Library for public access following its completion.
Richard Gannaway passed away in 2002, while Bristol Gannaway passed away in 2023. Currently, Kris Phillips, the APSU Vice President for Alumni, Engagement and Philanthropy, has stated that the contributions made by the Gannaways are immensely valued within the community.
The management of the scholarship fund falls under the auspices of the APSU Foundation, with the financial amount awarded varying based on the fund’s performance and spending plans. Those interested in establishing their own endowment or supporting APSU’s fundraising initiatives are encouraged to contact the Division of Alumni, Engagement, and Philanthropy at APSU.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Richard E. and Bristol S. Gannaway Memorial Endowment?
The endowment memorializes Richard E. Gannaway and Bristol S. Gannaway, honoring their lifelong commitment to education and community service.
What are the eligibility criteria for the scholarship?
Students must complete a minimum of 24 credit hours, be enrolled full-time with a minimum 2.5 GPA, reside in Montgomery County, Tennessee, and have participated in extracurricular activities.
Is the scholarship renewable?
Yes, the scholarship is renewable for recipients who maintain the required criteria each year.
Who managed the scholarship fund?
The scholarship fund is managed by the APSU Foundation, with the award amount based on the fund’s value and spending plan.
Key Features of the Gannaway Memorial Endowment Scholarship
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Honor the Gannaways’ commitment to education and community service |
| Eligibility Criteria | Completed 24 credit hours, full-time enrollment, 2.5 GPA, Montgomery County residency, extracurricular participation |
| Renewability | Yes, if criteria are maintained |
| Management | APSU Foundation |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Scholarship Fund Established for Local School Students
Generous Donation Creates Gannaway Memorial Endowment for APSU Students
Additional Resources
- Clarksville Now: Gannaway Memorial Endowment
- Clarksville Online: Clarksville Academy Awards Night
- Wikipedia: Austin Peay State University
- Google Search: Scholarships for students in Tennessee
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Scholarship
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